SPRING PRACTICE PERIOD: Stories from the Lotus Sutra

Dogen-Zenji so cherished the Lotus Sutra that he actually carved a selection of it into his door. This, the core text of not only Zen but the whole of Mahayana Buddhism, has never lost its appeal among practitioners of the Way. Join us for our SPRING PRACTICE PERIOD: Stories From the Lotus Sutra led by Sensei Joshin Byrnes, Sensei Genzan Quennell

Chaplaincy & Self-Care: An Interview with Roshi Joan Halifax

In an interview for a forthcoming book, Rev. Danny Fisher talks with Roshi Joan Halifax about chaplaincy and self-care.

1. How do you understand “self-care” in the context of Buddhist ministry/leadership?

Good habits of well being are essential for chaplains and leaders, increasing resilience, capacity, joy on the path of service, flourishing, and as well modeling for others, including patients and colleagues, respect and well being.

2. What do you think are the components of good self-care?

Respect, commitment, discipline, mindfulness, and good life habits, including enough sleep and exercise, good diet, caring relationships, daily meditation practice, plus practicing well being as we serve others.

3. What do you think are the best Buddhist resources for thinking about and practicing good self-care? Scriptures? Practices? Other things?

Scriptures inspire and guide us. Practices train us. And for me, it has been the practice of GRACE: “GRACE: Tools for Building Capacity and Compassion”
G: Gather attention on the inbreath; on the outbreath, drop into the body
R: Recall your intention; let your intention be a resource
A: Attune to yourself: body, heart, mind; attune to others: body, heart, mind
C: Consider what will serve: use your capacity for insight and intuition
E: Engage: take action; then end your interaction, reflecting on what transpired.

4. How do you think Buddhist ideas about and forms of self-care differ from others? Do they?

Training the mind/body through meditation is one of the most significant processes in cultivating well being. As well, the practice of precepts brings depth to meditation. In all, this is about the cultivation of non-violence in all regards.